Although they are both direct-injected engine designs, the Evinrude's E-TEC and FICHT technologies are quite different. E-TEC is most certainly not a re-branding of a newer version of FICHT, and although the actual differences between the two are not great in number, they are nevertheless very important in understanding how these engines operate. In fact, the two technologies were the result of much different strategies for goals to be met by each.
The E-TEC injector represents a critical difference compared to the injectors used in the FICHT engines. |
Both the E-TEC and FICHT fuel injectors contain a fuel pump, however, the mechanics of how the E-TEC fuel injectors operate is different where it matters most - the method of accurately metering fuel. To achieve the targets of performance and emissions compliance for the E-TEC requires incredible precision with fuel delivery. Extracting those goals dictated new levels of precision that the FICHT injector system was unable to achieve due to the nature of its design.
The E-TEC injector utilizes a voice coil to power both the open and close phases of operation and is capable of far more precision in fuel delivery than the FICHT injector. Timing and pulses of injector duration are controlled by the Engine Management Module. |
The FICHT injector used a solenoid for actuation, which powered the open phase of its cycle, which then relied on a spring to return the injector plunger to its closed phase position. By contrast, the E-TEC injector is powered on both the open and close phases, meaning that both phases of the injector cycle can be very accurately and precisely controlled, as opposed to controlling just the open phase as on the FICHT fuel injector. Fuel is on-the-ready to be delivered when needed, stored within the injector at very high pressure. A voice coil within the E-TEC injector is energized, which then releases a poppet valve to deliver fuel through a high-swirl nozzle. The timing of pulses and the duration that the injector is open is all regulated by the Engine Management Module (EMM), which is essentially the brains of the E-TEC.
First-generation E-TEC engines from 40-200 horsepower share the same bore and stroke specification, and use the very same pistons. The 'NASALOY' piston utilizes an alloy developed by NASA, and is 2.5 times stronger than conventional alloys. |
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